Vented container for housing a scented product

ABSTRACT

A container for housing scented product includes a bottom wall, a top wall, a plurality of longitudinal sidewalls, and a plurality of lateral sidewalls. The container further includes a scented product disposed within the cavity and a first plurality of selectively openable and closable vents extending through the top wall of the container. The first plurality of vents is configured to at least partially open when a force is applied to one or more of the plurality of longitudinal sidewalls and the plurality of lateral sidewalls of the container. The container further includes a second plurality of selectively openable and closable vents extending through the bottom wall of the container. The second plurality of vents are configured to at least partially open when the force is applied to one or more of the plurality of longitudinal sidewalls and the plurality of lateral sidewalls of the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.18/148,191, filed Dec. 29, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/684,211, filed Dec. 14, 2019 and now issued asU.S. Pat. No. 11,608,207, which claims the benefit of PCT InternationalApplication No. US2018/32663, filed on May 15, 2018, which claims thebenefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/510,655,filed on May 24, 2017. The foregoing applications and patent are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Consumers often face confusion and frustration when trying to purchasescented products (e.g., scented trash bags) that are available in a widevariety of fragrances. For example, without testing the scentedproducts, the consumer cannot know whether the consumer will like thefragrance of the scented product. Some efforts to remedy the aboveproblem include scratch and sniff regions included on the packaging ofscented products. However, the scratch and sniff regions often to notaccurately reflect the fragrance of the scented products. As a result,consumers can become frustrated (e.g., disappointed) when they do notreceive the scented product they expected from the scratch and sniffregions

Additionally, scratch and sniff regions are typically relatively costlyto produce. Furthermore, scratch and sniff regions typically have a verylimited amount of available fragrance (e.g., a limited number of usesthat provide an accurate scent). Accordingly, consumers are often leftwondering what the scented product smells like because the scratch andsniff region has expired (e.g., been used up).

Accordingly, there are a number of considerations to be made in scentedproducts and the ability to provide consumers an accurate test of ascented product's fragrance.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include a ventedcontainer for housing a scented product. The vented container can allowa potential consumer to selectively experience a scent of the productprior to purchasing or opening the container. In one or moreembodiments, the container may include a bottom wall, a top wall, and aplurality of side walls extending upward from the bottom wall. Thebottom wall, top wall, and the plurality of side walls defining one ormore cavities of the container. The container may further include ascented product disposed within one or more cavities within thecontainer. The container may further include a plurality of selectivelyopenable vents extending through one or more of the walls of thecontainer to the one or more cavities. The vents are configured to atleast partially open when a force is applied to one or more of the wallsof the container.

Further embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of makinga container for housing a scented product. The method may includeforming a first plurality of vents in a sheet of material, forming asecond plurality of vents in the sheet of material, and folding thesheet of material to form a container such that vents of the firstplurality of vents extend through a first wall of the container and ventof the second plurality of vents extend through an opposing wall of thecontainer

Additional features and advantages of will be set forth in thedescription which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplaryembodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments may berealized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and otherfeatures will become more fully apparent from the following descriptionand appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplaryembodiments as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above recited and otheradvantages and features of the present disclosure can be obtained, amore particular description of the present disclosure briefly describedabove will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereofwhich are illustrated in the appended drawings. It should be noted thatthe figures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of similarstructure or function are generally represented by like referencenumerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. Understandingthat these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the presentdisclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of itsscope, the present disclosure will be described and explained withadditional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container for housing a scentedproduct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional side view of a container housing ascented product according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional side view of the container of FIG. 1with a vent of the container in an open position according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional side view of the container of FIG. 1with a vent of the container in an open position according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a partial cross-sectional side view of a top wall of acontainer with a vent extending there through according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional side view of a top wall of acontainer with a vent extending there through according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C is a partial cross-sectional side view of a top wall of acontainer with a vent extending there through according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 3D is a partial cross-sectional side view of a top wall of acontainer with a vent extending there through according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 3E is a partial cross-sectional side view of a top wall of acontainer with a vent extending there through according to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional side view of a container having a firstvent extending through a top wall of the container and a second ventextending through a bottom wall of the container according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the container of FIG. 4A withthe first vent and the second vent in open positions;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a container for housing a scentedproduct according to another embodiment of the present of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 6A-6H show perspective views of containers for housing scentedproducts according to additional embodiments of the present disclosure;and

FIG. 7 shows flow diagram of a method of making a container for housinga scented product according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure include a container(e.g., a carton or packaging) for housing a scented product (e.g.,scented trash bags) that allows users (e.g., consumers) to accuratelytest (e.g., try out) an actual fragrance of the scented product disposedwithin the container without opening the container. For example, thecontainer allows users to test out a fragrance of the scented productwhile at a store prior to purchasing the scented product.

In some embodiments, the container includes one or more selectivelyopenable and closable vents extending through one or more walls of thecontainer. For example, the container may include the one or more ventsextending through a first wall of the container. Furthermore, applying aforce to the container may open the one or more vents. For instance, auser can open the one or more vents by squeezing the container.Moreover, by squeezing the container, the user may cause a puff offragrance to pass through the one or more vents allowing the user totest (e.g., sniff) the fragrance of the scent product.

In one or more embodiments, the container includes a first selectivelyopenable and closable vent extending through a first wall of thecontainer and a second selectively openable and closable vent extendingthrough an opposing wall of the container. Furthermore, similar to theone or more vents mentioned above, applying a force to the container mayopen both the first vent and the second vent. In particular, a user canopen the both the first and the second vents by squeezing the container.Moreover, by opening both the first and the second vents, air may bepermitted to enter the container through the second vent, pass over thescented product, and escape the container through the first vent. As aresult, when a user sniffs the container, the user may experience a morepotent amount of the fragrance of the scented product allowing to userto more accurately test the fragrance of the scented product.

Because the container allows a user to test the fragrance of the scentedproduct, the container of the present disclosure is advantageous overconventional containers for housing scented products (e.g., scratch andsniff containers). For instance, unlike conventional scratch and sniffcontainers, which often do not accurately reflect the actual fragranceof the scented product inside of the container, the selectively openableand closable vent(s) of the container enables a user to accurately testthe fragrance of the scented product prior to purchasing the scentedproduct. Thus, the selectively openable and closable vent(s) of thecontainer enable a user to find a scented product to the user's liking.

Furthermore, as will be readily recognized by one of ordinary skill inthe art, by enabling a user to accurately find a fragrance to the user'sliking (e.g., helping the user discover something that the user likesabout the product), the selectively openable and closable vent(s) of thepresent disclosure will help encourage users to purchase the scentedproduct, thus leading to additional sales and revenue. Moreover, byallowing a user to test fragrances of scented products, the container ofthe present disclosure is more likely to entice (e.g., persuade,encourage, etc.) a user to handle (e.g., interact with) the container(e.g., pick up the container off of a shelf at a store) and test thefragrance. Additionally, increased interaction with a product increasesa likelihood that the user will purchase the product.

In comparison to conventional containers, which are costly to produceand which provide a relatively limited amount of available fragrance(i.e., a limited number of uses), the container of the presentdisclosure reduces cost by not having scratch and sniff regions andprovides more available fragrance to test. Specifically, because a useris smelling the actual scented product instead of a scratch and sniffregion, the available fragrance of the container of the presentdisclosure lasts longer than conventional containers and provides a moreaccurate sample of the actual fragrance of the scented product.

As used herein, the term “substantially” in reference to a givenparameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree thatone skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter,property, or condition is met with a small degree of variance, such aswithin acceptable manufacturing tolerances. For example, a parameterthat is substantially met may be at least about 90% met, at least about95% met, or even at least about 99% met.

As used herein, any relational terms such as “first,” “second,” and“third,” “interior,” “exterior,” “top,” “bottom,” “upward,” etc. are forclarity and convenience in understanding the present disclosure andaccompanying drawings and does not connote or depend on any specificpreference, orientation, or order, except where the context clearlyindicates otherwise. For example, the relational terms may refer anorientation of a container for housing a scented material while disposedon a planar horizontal surface (e.g., a store shelf).

FIG. 1 shows a container 100 (e.g., carton or box) for housing a scentedproduct. The container 100 is illustrated with a portion removed tobetter shown internal elements of the container 100. The container 100may include a bottom wall 102, a top wall 104, a plurality of lateralsidewalls 106, 108, a plurality of longitudinal sidewalls 110, 112, afirst plurality of vents 114, a second plurality of vents 116, and aperforated opening 117. The plurality of lateral sidewalls 106, 108 maybe disposed on lateral sides of the bottom wall 102 and the top wall104, and the plurality of longitudinal sidewalls 110, 112 may bedisposed on longitudinal sides of the bottom wall 102 and the top wall104. Furthermore, the plurality of longitudinal sidewalls 110, 112 andthe plurality of lateral sidewalls 106, 108 may extend upward from thebottom wall 102 and may, in conjunction with the bottom wall 102 defineda cavity 118 within the container 100. For example, the plurality oflongitudinal sidewalls 110, 112 and the plurality of lateral sidewalls106, 108 may extend between the bottom wall 102 and the top wall 104.Additionally, in one or more embodiments, a scented product (e.g., trashbags) (FIG. 2A) may be disposed within the cavity 118 of the container100. Furthermore, the container 100 may include a perforated opening 117extending through the top wall 104 of the container and that may beopened to allow a user to remove the scented product and/or portions ofthe scented product from the container 100.

The first plurality of vents 114 (e.g., slits, holes, apertures,indentions, etc.) may extend through one or more walls. For example,FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment in which the first plurality of vents114 extend through the top wall 104. In some embodiments, the firstplurality of vents 114 may extend completely (e.g., entirely) throughthe wall in which they are formed (e.g., from an exterior surface 120 toan interior surface). In other embodiments, the first plurality of vents114 may extend only partially through the wall in which they are formed.In such embodiments, the first plurality of vents 114 may extend atleast substantially the wall in which they are formed.

The second plurality of vents 116 may extend through a wall opposite thewall in which the first plurality of vents 114 extend. For example, FIG.1 illustrates the second plurality of vents 116 extending through thebottom wall 102. In some embodiments, the second plurality of vents 116may extend completely (e.g., entirely) through the wall in which theyare formed (e.g., from an exterior surface to an interior surface). Inother embodiments, the second plurality of vents 116 may extend onlypartially through the wall in which they are formed. In suchembodiments, the second plurality of vents 116 may extend at leastsubstantially through the wall in which they are formed.

In one or more embodiments, the first plurality of vents 114 may bedisposed proximate to longitudinal ends of the container 100. Forexample, the first plurality of vents 114 may extend through the topwall 104 at a region and/or regions of the top wall 104 proximate thelongitudinal ends of the container 100. In other embodiments, the firstplurality of vents 114 may be disposed proximate to a center region ofthe container 100. For instance, the first plurality of vents 114 mayextend through the top wall 104 at a region of the top wall 104proximate the center of the container 100. Similarly, the secondplurality of vents 116 may be disposed proximate to the longitudinalends of the container 100 in the same manners described above. In anyevent, in one or more embodiments, the vents are positioned to be at apoint of maximum deflection of the container when a force is applied.For example, the container can be configured such that when squeezed,the middle of a wall of the container defects more than the sides oredges. The vents can be positioned at the point of maximum deflection ofthe container to help ensure that the vents open when the proper forceis applied to the container.

Furthermore, although the first and second plurality of vents 114, 116are illustrated in FIG. 1 as extending in a longitudinal direction(e.g., in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the container100), the disclosure is not so limited, and the vents of the first andsecond plurality of vents 114, 116 may extend in any direction.

To facilitate explanation of the present disclosure, the first pluralityof vents 114 and second plurality of vents 116 may be referred to hereincollectively as “the plurality of vents 114, 116”. In some embodiments,each vent of the plurality of vents 114, 116 may be selectively openableand closable to permit a user to test (e.g., sniff) a fragrance of thescented product within the container. In particular, as will bediscussed in greater detail below, the plurality of vents 114, 116 maybe selectively opened by applying force to the container (e.g., thelongitudinal 110, 112 and/or lateral sidewalls 106, 108). The pluralityof vents 114, 116 may be selectively closed by removing the force fromthe sidewalls (e.g., releasing the container). As a non-limitingexample, during use, the plurality of vents 114, 116 may open when auser (i.e., a consumer) squeezes the container 100, and the plurality ofvents may close when the user releases the container 100. Operation ofthe plurality of vents 114, 116 is described in greater detail below inregard to FIGS. 2A-4B. In alternative embodiments, each vent of theplurality of vents 114, 116 may include an aperture extending through awall of the container 100. For example, the plurality of vents 114, 116may be permanently open. In further embodiments, each vent of theplurality of vents 114, 116 may include an aperture extending through awall of the container 100 and a porous and/or breathable materialdisposed within the aperture such that fluids (e.g., air) can passthrough the aperture and through the porous and/or breathable material.In some instances, the porous and/or breathable material can includematerials having micro perforations such as TYVEK and/or GORTEX.

In one or more embodiments, the scented product may include one or moreof scented trash bags, wraps, grocery bags, sacks, packaging materials,feminine hygiene products, baby diapers, adult incontinence products, orother products. Furthermore, the product may be scented with odorcontrol components, such as, one or more of volatile fragrance materials(i.e., fragrance materials capable of being transported to the olfactorysystem) and deodorizing agents (e.g., deodorizing compositions with adeodorizing effect on offensive odors such as that associated withactivated nitrogen compound, activated sulfur compounds, etc.). As usedherein the term “fragrance” refers to any mixture or compositioncomprising one or more perfume raw materials with or without one or morecarrier solvents configured to emit a pleasant odor. Moreover, as usedherein the term “perfume” refers to a compound utilized for itsappealing odor. Compounds may have a pleasing odor without being used asa perfume in the context of this disclosure. Furthermore, the scent ofthe perfume may be designed to indicate a functional benefit such asfreshness or cleanliness. For example, in some embodiments, the scentmay smell similar to bleach, antiseptic, and/or flavors.

In one or more instances, the container 100 may include (e.g., be madeof) one or more of containerboard, folding boxboard, solid bleachedboard, solid unbleached board, white lined chipboard, binder's board,corrugated fiberboard, or other materials. In additional embodiments,the container may include one or more polymers such as Polyester (PES),Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene (PE), High-densitypolyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyvinylidene chloride(PVDC), Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene(PS), High impact polystyrene (HIPS), and Polyamides (PA).

Furthermore, although the container 100 is described in regard to FIG. 1as having a general rectangular shape, the disclosure is not so limited.Rather, the container 100 may have any shape defining at least onecavity therein. For example, the container 100 may have a sphericalshape, a canister/cylinder shape, a bottle shape, or any other shape.

FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional longitudinal side view of a container200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.Specifically, the plane defined by FIG. 2A is parallel to a longitudinalsidewall of the container 200. Additionally, elements of FIG. 2A (e.g.,thicknesses of the walls of the container 200) may be exaggerated forclarity. Similar to the container 100 of FIG. 1 , the container 200includes a top wall 204, a bottom wall 202, lateral sidewalls 206, 208,longitudinal sidewalls (FIG. 1 ), a scented product 222 disposed withina cavity 218 of the container 200, and a vent 214 extending through thetop wall 204 of the container 200. The container 200 is illustrated withonly one vent 214 for clarity and to facilitate explanation of theoperation of the vent 214. However, it is understood that the container200 may contain a plurality of vents.

The vent 214 is illustrated in a closed position (i.e., as closed) inFIG. 2A. When closed, the vent 214 (and the surrounding container 200)may at least substantially prevent air from escaping the container 200and/or entering the container 200. For example, when closed, the vent214 may at least substantially prevent airflow through the vent 214. Asa result, the vent 214 may at least substantially prevent a fragrance(e.g., fragrance particles) of the scented product 222 from escaping thecontainer 200. By preventing air and/or fragrance particles from leavingthe container 200 and airflow entering into the container when closed,the vent 214 may assist in maintaining a fragrance of the scentedproduct 222 (i.e., may prevent fragrance loss).

In some embodiments, the vent 214 can have a general triangle shape.Specifically, the vent 214 may define a general triangular prism shapewith a side (e.g., a planar side) of the triangular prism shape beingcoplanar with an exterior surface 220 of the top wall 204 and a corneredge of the triangular prism shape opposite the side (e.g., a point of across-sectional triangle of the triangular prism) intersecting a planedefined by the interior surface 224 of the top wall. Describeddifferently, the vent 214 may include a V-shaped channel in the top wall204. For instance, the channel may extend into the top wall 204 from theexterior surface 220, and a bottom (i.e., a point) of the channel mayintersect the plane defined by the interior surface 224 of the top wall204. Described yet another way, the vent 214 may be defined by twoopposing wedge ends formed in the top wall. Narrow ends (e.g., the thinends) of the two opposing wedge ends may contact each other when thevent is closed. The vent's shape is described in further detail below inregard to FIGS. 3A-3E.

FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional side view of the container 200 of FIG.2A with the vent 214 in an open position. In operation, as noted above,the vent 214 of the container 200 can be opened by applying force(represented by arrow 215) to one or more of the lateral sidewalls 206,208 and longitudinal sidewalls (FIG. 1 ) of the container 200. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the vent 214 of the container 200can be opened when force 215 is applied to the lateral sidewalls 206,208 of the container 200. Specifically, when force 215 is applied to thelateral sidewalls 206, 208 of the container 200, the lateral sidewalls206, 208 may flex (e.g., bend, bow, etc.), which causes the top wall 204to also flex, which, in turn, causes the vent 214 to at least partiallyopen. For example, due to the lateral sidewalls 206, 208 flexing, thetop wall 204 may bow outward (i.e., away from a center of thecontainer), which causes the vent 214 to at least partially open. Forinstance, due to the top wall 204 flexing, the portions of the top wall204 (e.g., the opposing wedge ends) defining the vent 214 may at leastpartially separate causing the vent 214 to open.

In alternative embodiments, the vent 214 of the container 200 can beopened by applying force 215 to one or more of the top wall 204 and abottom wall 202 of the container 200. In further embodiments, the vent214 may also be at least partially opened due to increased pressurewithin the cavity 218 of the container 200 caused by the force 215applied to the lateral sidewalls 206, 208 of the container 200. Forinstance, when the force 215 is applied to the lateral sidewalls 206,208 of the container 200 (i.e., a user squeezes the container), thelateral sidewalls 206, 208 may bow toward a center of the container 200(i.e., inward) causing a pressure (e.g., an air pressure) within thecavity 218 of the container 200 to increase and may, in turn, cause thevent 214 to at least partially open to permit airflow through the vent214 (i.e., to relieve the pressure within the cavity 218).

In some embodiments, the shape of the vent 214 may increase a likelihoodthat the vent will open when force 215 is applied to the container 200(i.e., when the container 200 is squeezed). As discussed above, the vent214 may be closed when narrow ends of opposing wedge ends contact eachother. As a result, to open the vent 214, only the narrow ends of theopposing wedge ends need to be separated. For instance, less contactingsurfaces need to be separated in order to open the vent 214 of thepresent disclosure in comparison to, for example, two opposing squareends (i.e., ends having parallel end surfaces), which would have theentire end surfaces contacting each other when closed. As noted above,the shape of the vent 214 is described in further detail in regard toFIGS. 3A-3F.

When the vent 214 is open (i.e., in an open position), the vent maypermit air from within the container 200 to escape through the vent. Forexample, when the vent 214 is open, air from within the container 200may pass through the vent 214. Furthermore, because a user squeezes thecontainer to cause the vent 214 to open, increased pressure within thecontainer 200 may cause at least some air to pass through the vent 214(e.g., a puff of air through the vent 214). Moreover, the air escapingfrom the container 200 may include fragrance particles (e.g., may bescented) from the scented product 222. As a result, because the air isscented, a fragrance of the scented product 222 may be tested (e.g.,smelled) by a user (e.g., a consumer). For instance, when the vent isopen, the user may smell the scented product 222 disposed within thecontainer 200.

By allowing a user to test the fragrance of the scented product 222, thecontainer 200 of the present disclosure is advantageous overconventional containers of scented products. For example, unlikeconventional containers that allow a user to test a fragrance (e.g.,scratch and sniff containers), which often do not accurately reflect theactual fragrance of the scented product inside of the container, thecontainer 200 of the present disclosure enables a user to accuratelytest (e.g., tryout) the fragrance of the scented product 222 prior topurchasing the scented product 222. Furthermore, by enabling a user toaccurately test the fragrance of the scented product 222, the container200 of the present disclosure enables a user to experiment withdifferent scented products to discover (e.g., find) a scented product tothe user's liking.

Additionally, because the vent 214 of the container 200 of the presentdisclosure can be selectively opened and closed by a user, the container200 provides additional advantages over conventional containers.Specifically, because the vent 214 does not open until a force isapplied to the sidewalls (e.g., longitudinal and/or lateral sidewalls206, 208) of the container 200, the vent 214 may remain closed (e.g., atleast substantially sealed) while the container 200 is not beingmanipulated, for example, while the container 200 is stationary on shelfof a store. In one or more embodiments, the vents are sized andconfigured to resist opening when subjected to forces typicallyassociated with handling of a container (stocking, shipping, etc.).Along related lines, the container 200 protects the scented product 222from airflow that may be caused by users (e.g., consumers) passing downaisles of a store. As a result of the foregoing, the container 200, evenwhen housing the scented product 222, will not fill an aisle with thefragrance of the scented product 222 and alienate users (e.g.,consumers) who do not want scented products 222.

Likewise, because the vent 214 will only open when manipulated by a user(e.g., squeezed by a user), the container 200 may maintain a fragranceof the scented product 222 in comparison to containers that havepermanent apertures and/or permanently opened vents. In particular, inone or more embodiments, the vents are sized and configured to open whena force (e.g., a user squeezes the container) is applied that is greaterthan the forces typically associated with handling of a container (e.g.,stocking or shipping). Thus, the vents of the container reduce fragrancelost by (i.e., a fragrance loss of) outer portions of the scentedproduct 222. Moreover, because the vent 214 is selectively openable, thecontainer 200 permits a user to selectively test different scentedproducts within different containers.

Referring still to FIG. 2B, in one or more embodiments, a number ofvents 214 (e.g., a number of vents included in the first and secondpluralities of vents 114, 116 (FIG. 1 )) may be controlled in order toallow for a sufficient fragrance release (e.g., enough fragrance so thata typical user can smell the fragrance) but avoiding noticeablefragrance loss to the scented product 222. For example, in someembodiments, the first and second pluralities of vents 114, 116 (FIG. 1) may each include two, three, five, ten, or more vents.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the vent 214 may not extendcompletely through the top wall 204 of the container 200. In suchembodiments, a portion of the top wall 204 remaining at the vent 214(i.e., the amount of the top wall 204 through which the vent 214 doesnot extend) may be sufficiently thin such that when a user squeezes thecontainer 200, the portion breaks such that the vent 214 becomesselectively openable and closable. By forming the vent 214 such that thevent 214 does not extend completely through the top wall 204 of thecontainer 200 originally, the vent 214 may further prevent fragranceloss during, for example, shipping and shelf time prior to first beingtested by a user. The foregoing may result in yet less fragrance loss incomparison to conventional containers.

In one or more embodiments, how the vent 214 of the container 200 opensis dependent on where the force 215 is applied to the container 200(e.g., where the container 200 is squeezed by the user). For example,FIG. 2C shows a cross-sectional view of the container 200 of FIG. 2Bwith the vent 214 open according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2C, in some instances, in response toa force 215 being applied to sidewalls (e.g., the lateral sidewalls 206,208 and/or longitudinal sidewalls (FIG. 1 )), the top wall 204 of thecontainer 200 may bow inward instead of outward, which also causes thevent 214 to at least partially open. For example, in some cases, thecloser to the top wall 204 the force 215 is applied on the sidewalls,the more likely the top wall 204 is to bow inward instead of outward.Furthermore, as noted above, in some instances, the force 215 may beapplied to the top wall 204, and as a result, the top wall 204 may bowinward and may cause the vent 214 to at least partially open.Specifically, due to the top wall 204 bowing (i.e., flexing), theportions of the top wall 204 (e.g., the opposing wedge ends) definingthe vent 214 may at least partially separate causing the vent 214 toopen.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2C together, in additional embodiments, each ventof the plurality of vents 114, 116 may include a one-way vent (e.g., aone-way valve). In other words, each vent of the plurality of vents 114,116 may generally allow fluids (e.g., air) to flow through the vent 114in only one direction. In such embodiments, the first plurality of vents114 may allow air to flow out of the container 200, and the secondplurality of vents 116 may allow air to flow into the container 200, aswill be discussed in greater detail in regard to FIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate various types of vents of a container 300according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example,FIG. 3A illustrates a vent 314 a according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The vent 314 a may include two opposing wedge endswith narrow ends of the opposing wedge ends contacting each other. Thenarrow ends (e.g., the points) of the opposing wedge ends, when the vent314 a is in a closed position, may intersect a central plane of the topwall 304, and the central plane may extend between the exterior surface320 of the top wall 304 and the interior surface 324 of the top wall 304and may be parallel to the exterior surface 320 and interior surface 324of the top wall 304. Put another way, the vent 314 a may have an atleast general hourglass shaped cross-section.

The vent 314 a illustrated in FIG. 3A may facilitate the vent 314 aopening both ways (e.g., bowing inward and outward, as describe above inregard to FIGS. 2B and 2C) with equal amounts of force 215 (FIG. 2B).For example, the vent 314 a may be as likely to open inward as the vent314 a is to open outward. As a result, the vent 314 a may maximize alikelihood that the vent 314 a will open when a force 215 (FIG. 2B) isapplied to the sidewalls of the container 300 regardless of where theforce 215 (FIG. 2B) is applied on the sidewalls.

FIG. 3B illustrates a vent 314 b according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The vent 314 b may be similar to the vent 214described in regard to FIG. 2A. For example, the vent 314 b can include(e.g., have) a general triangle shape and may define a triangular prismshape with a side of the triangular prism shape being coplanar with aninterior surface 324 of the top wall 304 and a corner edge of thetriangular prism shape opposite the side intersecting a plane defined byan exterior surface 320 of the top wall 304. Put another way, the vent314 b can include a V-shaped channel in the top wall 304, where thechannel extends into the top wall 304 from the interior surface 324, andwhere a bottom (i.e., a point) of the channel intersects the planedefined by the exterior surface 320 of the top wall 304.

In some embodiments, the vent 314 b illustrated in FIG. 3B may beutilized to make the vent 314 b less visible from an exterior of thecontainer 300. Specifically, the vent 314 b may include the samefunctionality as the vent 214 described above in regard to FIG. 2A butmay, in some instances, be more aesthetically pleasing because the vent314 b may be less noticeable from an exterior of the container 300.

FIG. 3C illustrates a vent 314 c according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The vent 314 c may include two opposing curvedsurfaces 326 a, 326 b with the peaks of the two opposing curved surfaces326 a, 326 b contacting each other when the vent 314 c is closed.Furthermore, the peaks of the two opposing curved surfaces 326 a, 326 b,when in a closed position, may intersect the central plane of the topwall 304. Moreover, the vent 314 c may maximize a likelihood that thevent 314 c will reseal after being opened. Specifically, because thevent 314 c is defined by two opposing curved surfaces 326 a, 326 b, thevent 314 c may include more viable surfaces with which to seal than thenarrow ends of wedges.

FIG. 3D illustrates a vent 314 d according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure. As shown, the vent 314 d may be defined by two setsof opposing wedges 332, 334 defining an at least generally rectangularshaped prism void extending through the top wall in a direction parallelto the exterior surface 320 of the top wall 304. Each set of theopposing wedges 332, 334 includes two opposing wedges with narrow endsof the two opposing wedges contacting each other. The narrow ends of afirst set of the opposing wedges 332 may intersect a plane defined bythe interior surface 324 of the top wall 304, and the narrow ends of asecond set of the opposing wedges 334 may intersect a plane defined bythe exterior surface 320 of the top wall 304. Furthermore, the vent 314d increases a likelihood that the vent 314 d will reseal after beingopen. Specifically, because the vent 314 d includes two sets of opposingwedges 332, 334, the vent 314 d includes two sets of narrow ends, andtherefore, includes more surfaces with which the vent 314 d can reseal.For example, the vent 314 d includes double the surface area forresealing in comparison to the vent 214 described in regard to FIG. 2A,and therefore, is more likely to reseal after being opened.

FIG. 3E illustrates a vent 314 e according to another embodiment of thepresent disclosure. As shown, the vent 314 e is be defined by a squareend 336 and a wedge end 338. Furthermore, when in a closed position, anarrow end of the wedge end 338 contacts the square end 336 of the vent314 e. Moreover, the vent 314 e includes an increased amount ofavailable surface area for resealing (i.e., the entire end surface ofthe square end 336 in comparison to a mere narrow end of a wedge end)while having a same amount of actual contacting surface areas (i.e., thenarrow end of the wedge end 338 contacting the square end 336) as thevent 214 described in regard to FIG. 2A. As result, the vent 314 eincreases a likelihood of resealing while maintaining a likelihood thatthe vent 314 e will open.

As noted above in regard to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the container100 can include a first plurality of vents 114 extending through a firstwall of the container 100 and a second plurality of vents 116 extendingthrough an opposing wall of the container 100. For example, FIG. 4Aillustrates a cross-sectional side view of a container 400 having afirst vent 414 a extending through a top wall 404 of a container 400 anda second vent 414 b extending through a bottom wall 402 of the container400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,the first vent 414 a is similar to the vent 214 described above inregard to FIG. 2A. For example, the first vent 414 a includes a generaltriangular prism shape with a side of the triangular prism shape beingcoplanar with an exterior surface 420 of the top wall 404 and a corneredge of the triangular prism shape opposite the side intersecting aplane defined by the interior surface 424 of the top wall 404. Putanother way, the first vent 414 can include a V-shaped channel in thetop wall 404, where the channel extends into the top wall 404 from theexterior surface 420, and where a bottom (i.e., a point) of the channelintersects the plane defined by the interior surface 424 of the top wall404. In additional embodiments, the first vent 414 a may include any ofthe types of vents described above in regard to FIGS. 3A-3E.

Additionally, the second vent 414 b is also similar to the vent 214described above in regard to FIG. 2A. For example, the second vent 414 bincludes a general triangular prism shape with a side of the triangularprism shape being coplanar with an exterior surface 420 of the bottomwall 402 and a corner edge of the triangular prism shape opposite theside intersecting the plane defined by the interior surface 424 of thebottom wall 402. Put another way, the second vent 414 b can include aV-shaped channel in the bottom wall 402, where the channel extends intothe bottom wall 402 from the exterior surface 420, and where a bottom(i.e., a point) of the channel intersects the plane defined by theinterior surface 424 of the bottom wall 402. In additional embodiments,the second vent 414 b may include any of the types of vents describedabove in regard to FIGS. 3A-3E.

In one or more embodiments, the first vent 414 a and the second vent 414b may include the same types of vents (e.g., the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 4A). In additional embodiments, the first vent 414 a may includea first type of vent (e.g., the type of vent illustrated in FIG. 2A) andthe second vent 414 b may include a second different type of vent (e.g.,the type of vent illustrated in FIG. 3A).

FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional side view of the container 400 of FIG.4A with the first vent 414 a and the second vent 414 b in openpositions. Similar to the vent 214 described above in regard to FIG. 2B,the first vent 414 a and the second vent 414 b can be opened by applyingforce 415 to one or more of the lateral sidewalls 406, 408 andlongitudinal sidewalls of the container 400. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 4B, the first vent 414 a and the second vent 414 b of thecontainer 400 can be opened when force 415 is applied to the lateralsidewalls 406, 408 of the container 400. Specifically, when force 415 isapplied to the lateral sidewalls 406, 408 of the container 400, thelateral sidewalls 406, 408 may flex (e.g., bend, bow, etc.), whichcauses the top wall 404 and the bottom wall 402 to also flex (e.g., bowoutward), which, in turn, causes the first vent 414 a and the secondvent 414 b to at least partially open. For instance, due to the top wall404 flexing, the portions of the top wall 404 defining the first vent414 a may at least partially separate causing the first vent 414 a toopen. Similarly, due to the bottom wall 402 flexing, the portions of thebottom wall 402 defining the second vent 414 b may at least partiallyseparate causing the second vent 414 b to open. As a non-limitingexample, in use, the first vent 414 a and the second vent 414 b may openwhen a user squeezes the container 400, as described above.

When the first vent 414 a and the second vent 414 b of the container 400are open, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the first vent 414 a and the secondvent 414 b may permit air to enter into the container 400 via one of thevents (e.g., the second vent 414 b), pass over the scented product 422,and exit the container 400 through the other vent (e.g., the first vent414 a). Specifically, in use, when a user squeezes the container 400 toopen the first and second vents 414 a, 414 b and sniffs the container400 proximate to the first vent 414 a, the act of sniffing may cause airto pass through the container 400 (i.e., through the first and secondvents 414 a, 414 b), pass over the scented product 422, pick upfragrance particles from the scented product 422, and enter the user'solfactory system such that the user can smell the scented product 422.

In addition to allowing air to flow over the scented product 422 andpermitting a user to smell the scented product 422, placing the firstvent 414 a (or first plurality of vents) in the top wall 404 and thesecond vent 414 b (or second plurality of vents) in the bottom wall 402may minimize fragrance loss in comparison to placing the first andsecond vents 414 a, 414 b in a sidewall of the container 400. Forexample, the bottom wall 402 of the container 400 will typically be incontact with a store shelf or another container (e.g., another carton oftrash bags), and thus, the second vent 414 b in the bottom wall 402 willbe shielded from most airflow, which can cause fragrance loss, while incontact with the store shelf and/or another container. Furthermore, thetop wall 404 of the container 400 will typically be in contact withanother container or, at least, will typically not directly face anaisle where users walk past causing airflow, and thus, will typicallynot be exposed to coincidental airflow caused by users. As a result, thetop wall 404 of the container 400 also avoids most airflow except whenbeing handled by a user.

In view of the foregoing, because the placement of the first vent 414 aand the second vent 414 b helps to minimize exposure to airflow, thecontainer 400 of the present disclosure may minimize fragrance loss ofthe scented product 422. Specifically, because an exposure of the firstvent 414 a and the second vent 414 b is minimized, airflow into and outof the container 400 is minimized, and because airflow into and out ofthe container 400 is minimized, the fragrance (i.e., fragranceparticles) of the scented product 422 remains within the container 400.

FIG. 5 illustrates a container 500 for housing a scented productaccording to another embodiment present disclosure. Similar to thecontainer 100 described above in regard to FIG. 1 , the container 500includes a bottom wall 502, a top wall 504, a plurality of lateralsidewalls 506, 508, a plurality of longitudinal sidewalls 510, 512, afirst plurality of vents 514, and a perforated opening 517.Additionally, similar to the container 100 of FIG. 1 , the firstplurality of vents 514 may extend through the top wall 504 of thecontainer 500. In addition to the first plurality of vents 514, thecontainer 500 includes one or more designated regions 530 (e.g.,thumbprints) indicating to a user where to apply force 215 (FIG. 2B) to(e.g., squeeze) the container 500 in order to test (e.g., smell) thefragrance of the scented product 222 (FIG. 2A). Moreover, in someembodiments, the container 500 may include a second plurality of vents116 (FIG. 1 ) extending through the bottom wall 502 of the container500.

As illustrated, in some instances, the first plurality of vents 514 maybe oriented relative to one another in a pattern. For example, the firstplurality of vents 514 may be oriented in a pattern representing afragrance of the scented product 222 (FIG. 2A) disposed within a cavity118 (FIG. 1 ) of the container 500. Specifically, the first plurality ofvents 514 may be oriented in a shape of one or more of a cloud, aflower, a Hawaiian aloha, a sunburst, a fruit, a vegetable, a plant, aleaf, or any other shape representing a fragrance. Furthermore, thefirst plurality of vents 514 may include any of the types of ventsdescribed above in regard to FIGS. 2A-3E.

As noted above, the container 500 may also include one or moredesignated regions 530 indicating to the user where to apply force 215(FIG. 2B) to (e.g., squeeze) the container 500. In some embodiments, theone or more designated regions 530 may include one or more thumbprintsassociated with text (e.g., messaging) reciting, for example, “squeezehere,” “press here,” “squeeze here for a burst of freshness,” etc. Inone or more embodiments, the one or more designated regions 530 may bedisposed (e.g., located) on one or more of the lateral sidewalls 506,508 and longitudinal sidewalls 510, 512 of the container 500. Inadditional embodiments, the one or more designated regions 530 may bedisposed on the top wall 504 proximate to (e.g., next to or adjacent to)the first plurality of vents 514.

As mentioned briefly above, in one or more embodiments, the containermay include a second plurality of vents extending through the bottomwall 502 of the container. Similar to the first plurality of vents 514,the second plurality of vents may be oriented in a pattern representinga fragrance. Furthermore, in such embodiments, one or more of thedesignated regions 530 may be disposed on the bottom wall 502 proximateto the second plurality of vents. Moreover, the second plurality ofvents 116 (FIG. 1 ) may include any of the vents described in regard toFIGS. 2A-3E.

Although the first plurality of vents and the second plurality of ventsare described herein as being selectively openable and closable, thedisclosure is not so limited. For example, in some embodiments, thevents can include holes that are constantly (e.g., permanently) open(referred to hereinafter as “open vents”). For instance, the firstplurality of vents and the second plurality of vents may not be closableand may merely include voids of material in the walls of the container.Specifically, FIGS. 6A-6E show open vents (e.g., first and secondpluralities of vents) according to additional embodiments of the presentof the present disclosure.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, a first and second pluralities of openvents 614 a, 616 a may have general circular shapes and may extendcompletely through the top wall 604 of the container 600. As anotherexample, as shown in FIG. 6B, the first plurality of open vents 614 b(and the second plurality of open vents (FIG. 6A)) may have generalcircular shapes and may be oriented relative to one another in a pattern(e.g., a cloud, a flower, a Hawaiian aloha, a sunburst, a fruit, avegetable, a plant, a leaf, or any other shape representing afragrance). As another non-limiting example, as shown in FIG. 6C, thefirst plurality of open vents 614 c (and the second plurality of openvents (FIG. 6A)) may have general X-shapes and may extend through one ormore wall of the plurality of lateral sidewalls 606, 608 and theplurality of longitudinal sidewalls 610, 612. As a further example, asshown in FIG. 6D, the first plurality of open vents 614 d (and thesecond plurality of open vents (FIG. 6A)) may have general slit shapesand may extend through one or more wall of the plurality of lateralsidewalls 606, 608 and the plurality of longitudinal sidewalls 610, 612.Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6D, in one or more embodiments the openvents 614 d can be formed in a portion of the container that forms theopening to the container. FIG. 6E illustrates another embodiment inwhich the open vents 614 e align with or are formed over theperforations 617 a. One will appreciate in light of the disclosureherein that such a configuration can help reduce the noticeability ofthe vents. Furthermore, while FIG. 6E illustrates vents in theperforations 617 a that form the opening to the container, inalternative embodiments the vents can be formed in other or additionalperforations such as those intersecting walls or forming corners oredges of the container. FIG. 6F illustrates another embodiment in whichthe vents 614 f (e.g., selectively openable and closable and/or openvents) extend through a sidewall (e.g., a longitudinal sidewall) of thecontainer 600. FIGS. 6G and 6H illustrate another embodiment includingone-way valves 622 a, 622 b extending through sidewalls of the container600. As shown, in some embodiments, the one-way valves 622 a, 622 b mayinclude aperture extending through a sidewall of the container 600 and aporous and/or breathable material disposed over the aperture.

-Referring to FIGS. 1-6 together, although the container is describedherein as having vents and/or valves extending through a wall of thecontainer, the disclosure is not so limited. For example, in someembodiments, the container may include a vent extending through a wallof the container and an external valve disposed over the vent on anexterior and/or interior of the container. In some instances, thecontainer may include a one-way valve (e.g., a “coffee” valve) disposedover the vent of the container. Furthermore, as noted above, the one-wayvalve may generally allow fluids (e.g., air) to flow through the valvein only one direction. In such embodiments, the container may include atleast one one-way valve to permit fluids to escape the container and atleast one one-way valve to permit fluids to enter into the container.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include methods of making acontainer for housing a scented product. For example, FIG. 7 shows aflow diagram of a method 700 of making a container for housing a scentedproduct. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7 together, the method 700 may includeforming a vent 114 in a sheet of material. For example, the method 700may include forming a first plurality of vents 114 in the sheet ofmaterial, represented as act 710. Furthermore, the method 700 mayinclude forming a second plurality vents in the sheet of material,represented as act 720. In more of more embodiments, forming a firstplurality of vents 114 and the second plurality of vents 116 may includeforming a first plurality of selectively openable and closable vents 114and a second plurality of selectively openable and closable vents 116 ina sheet of material.

Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, forming the first plurality ofvents 114 and the second plurality of vents 116 in the sheet of materialmay include punching and/or cutting the first plurality of vents 114 andthe second plurality of vents 116 in the sheet of material.Additionally, forming the first plurality of vents 114 and the secondplurality of vents 116 may include forming each vent of the firstplurality of vents 114 and the second plurality of vents 116 to includean at least general triangular prism shape. Moreover, forming the firstplurality of vents 114 may include forming each vent such that a side ofthe triangular prism shape of each vent is coplanar with an exteriorsurface of the top wall and a corner edge of the triangular prism shapeof each vent, opposite the side, intersects a plane defined by aninterior surface of the top wall 104. Likewise, forming the secondplurality of vents 116 may include forming each vent such that a side ofthe triangular prism shape of each vent is coplanar with a plane definedby an exterior surface of the bottom wall 102 and a corner edge of thetriangular prism shape of each vent, opposite the side, intersects aninterior surface of the bottom wall 102.

In alternative embodiments, forming the first plurality of vents 114 mayinclude forming each vent such that a side of the triangular prism shapeof each vent is coplanar with a plane defined by an interior surface ofthe top wall 104 and a corner edge of the triangular prism shape of eachvent, opposite the side, intersects an exterior surface of the top wall104. Furthermore, forming the second plurality of vents 116 may includeforming each vent such that a side of the triangular prism shape of eachvent is coplanar with a plane defined by an interior surface of thebottom wall 102 and a corner edge of the triangular prism shape of eachvent, opposite the side, intersects an exterior surface of the bottomwall 102.

Additionally, the method 700 may include folding the sheet of materialsuch that the first vent extends through a top wall of a container andthe second vent extends through a bottom wall of the container,represented as act 730. For example, the method 700 may include foldingthe sheet of material to form the container such that the firstplurality of vents extends through a top wall of the container and thesecond plurality of vents extend through a bottom wall of the container.The sheet of material may include any of the materials described abovein regard to FIG. 1 . One will appreciate in view of the disclosureherein that the method 700 described in relation to FIG. 7 can bemodified to omit or expanded acts, or vary the order of the various actsas desired.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thus, thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

We claim:
 1. A container for housing a scented product, comprising: acontainer comprising a cavity; a scented product disposed within thecavity; and a first selectively openable and closable vent extendingthrough a wall of the container to the cavity, wherein the firstselectively openable and closable vent is configured to at leastpartially open when a force is applied to the container.
 2. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the first selectively openable andclosable vent comprises a triangular prism shape.
 3. The container ofclaim 2, wherein a surface of the first selectively openable andclosable vent is coplanar with an exterior surface of the wall.
 4. Thecontainer of claim 2, wherein a side surface of the first selectivelyopenable and closable vent is coplanar with an interior surface of thewall.
 5. The container of claim 1, wherein the first selectivelyopenable and closable vent is proximate to a longitudinal end of thecontainer.
 6. The container of claim 1, further comprising a secondselectively openable and closable vent extending through a second wallof the container, the second wall being opposite the wall in which thefirst selectively openable and closable vent is located.
 7. Thecontainer of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of vents orientedin a pattern representing a fragrance of the scented product disposedwithin the cavity of the container.
 8. The container of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one designated region on the container for receivingthe force.
 9. The container of claim 1, wherein the first selectivelyopenable and closable vent is aligned with perforations of thecontainer.
 10. The container of claim 1, wherein the first selectivelyopenable and closable vent is positioned at a location on the containerthat deflects the most when the force is applied to the container. 11.The container of claim 1, wherein the first selectively openable andclosable vent has a size and configuration to: resist opening whensubjected to forces typically associated with handling of a container;and open when the force is greater than the forces typically associatedwith handling of a container.
 12. The container of claim 1, wherein thefirst selectively openable and closable vent comprises a valve securedto the container.
 13. A container for housing a scented product,comprising: a plurality of walls defining at least one cavity within thecontainer; a scented product disposed within the at least one cavity; afirst plurality of selectively openable and closable vents extendingthrough a first wall of plurality of walls of the container to the atleast one cavity, wherein vents of the first plurality of selectivelyopenable and closable vents are configured to at least partially openwhen a force is applied to one or more walls of the plurality of wallsof the container; and a second plurality of selectively openable andclosable vents extending through a second wall of the plurality of wallsof the container to the at least one cavity, wherein vents of the secondplurality of selectively openable and closable vents are configured toat least partially open when the force is applied to one or more wallsof the plurality of walls of the container.
 14. The container of claim13, wherein the vents of the first plurality of selectively openable andclosable vents are configured to allow air to flow out of the at leastone cavity of the container to an exterior of the container.
 15. Thecontainer of claim 13, wherein the vents of the second plurality ofselectively openable and closable vents are configured to allow air toflow into the at least one cavity of the container from an exterior ofthe container.
 16. The container of claim 13, wherein each vent of thefirst plurality of selectively openable and closable vents and thesecond plurality of selectively openable and closable vents comprises anat least general hourglass shaped cross-section.
 17. The container ofclaim 13, further comprising at least one designated region on at leastone wall of the container for receiving the force, wherein when theforce is applied to the at least one designated region a portion of thecontainer including the first plurality of selectively openable andclosable vents experiences a greatest amount of deflection of thecontainer.
 18. The container of claim 13, wherein the vents of the firstplurality of selectively openable and closable vents comprise a porousmaterial covering a void in the first wall.
 19. The container of claim13, wherein the vents of the second plurality of selectively openableand closable vents comprise valves.
 20. The container of claim 13,wherein the vents of the second plurality of selectively openable andclosable vents have a size and configuration to: resist opening whensubjected to forces typically associated with handling of the container;and open when the force is greater than the forces typically associatedwith handling of the container.